Front Deck Boom Box: Andy Penkow

The name Andy Penkow is a relatively new one on the country scene – but the alternative country Americana singer-songwriter has been consistently kicking goals for the past couple of years. After releasing his EP, Chasing the Sun, produced by ARIA Award winner Shane Nicholson, he ended 2020 on a high with 10 weeks of charting in the Country Songs Top 40 and national airplay off the back of his Top 20 hit, The Biggest Hearts Can Break.

To get to know him a little better, we’ve asked what five songs he’s listening to at the moment for this week’s Front Deck Boom Box.

Melody Moko - Like Hank Would

I have to say Melody is one of my favorites at the moment! Like Hank Would is one of the best songs released in 2020. This song gets me every time feels, like I should be sipping a whiskey on ice in a bar in Nashville every time I hear it. Melody is one to watch, one of those artists that just has it. 

Lyn Bowtell & Luke O’Shea - Sing Me A Story

Sing Me A Story is one of those songs that just takes you away! Luke is one of my favourite songwriters with a very distinct sound. Lyn is an Aussie darling. I was lucky enough to co-right my single Chasing the Sun with Lyn. I was star-struck to be honest. That voice. The honesty she has in her lyrics. She is mesmerizing live. 

Dan Higgins - Ain’t Gonna Bottle It Up

I was lucky enough to share the stage with this man. I feel like he’s one of those writers that you can relate to, mostly because he’s true and honest to himself. I was so excited to hear this song. It has a really cool vibe about it and was produced by Matt Fell. I think Dan has some really great music and I’m excited to see what he has up his sleeve. 

Eric Church - Stick That In Your Country Song

You often hear a song that makes you stop and take a moment - this is one of them for me. What a song. What an artist. I first heard Eric on CMT a few years ago and I ended up having his album Desperate Man on repeat for weeks. When I heard this song I was like, "Damn! Now that’s how you write a song! Add to Bucket list do a co-right with the man." 

Charlie Collins - I Don’t Want To Be In A Rock Band

This was released in 2019. I first saw Charlie at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2019 - my dad actually told me about her. I guess he’s a lot cooler than me when it comes to up and coming music [laughs]. I was hooked. I’m a massive fan. Her mix of Indie rock and country folk really stands out to me.

Keep up to date with Andy Penkow, follow him on Facebook here.

And check out some more of our Front Deck Boom Box series here.

Image: Supplied